HPV vaccination

Key information about the HPV vaccine

Eligibility for vaccination: It is ideal to receive the HPV vaccine before engaging in sexual activity for the first time, because this ensures protection before potential exposure to the virus. However, even if you have been sexually active, you can still benefit from getting vaccinated.

Vaccination schedule: The number of doses required depends on your age, with either one or two doses necessary.

Cost: For detailed pricing information, please enquire at the time of booking.

Booster doses: Currently, booster doses are not recommended.

Administration method: The vaccine is administered via injection into your upper arm.

Possible side effects: Side effects like nausea, dizziness, headaches, or fever may occur, but they should be mild.

Age suitability: The Gardasil 9 HPV vaccine is recommended for children aged nine and older, and for men and women up to the age of 45.

Additional safety measures: To further reduce the risk of contracting HPV and other STIs, it is advised to use condoms every time you have sex. Women should also regularly have smear tests (cervical screening).

What is the HPV vaccine?

Children are offered the HPV vaccine routinely at the age of 12 or 13 as part of the NHS vaccination programme. However, it is also recommended for everyone up to the age of 45 to help protect against various HPV-related diseases. Individuals up to the age of 25 have eligibility to receive the vaccine free of charge through the NHS.

The vaccine, known as Gardasil 9, provides protection against nine types of HPV: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. Types 6 and 11 are responsible for causing 90% of genital warts, which are non-cancerous growths in the genital area. While genital warts are not dangerous, they require treatment and can be transmitted to sexual partners. Once infected, a person may remain contagious and continue to spread the virus for the rest of their life, with the warts potentially reappearing, especially if their immune system becomes compromised. Types 16 and 18, along with several others, are the leading causes of cervical cancer in women and are also linked to cancers of the throat, vagina, anus and penis.

HPV is a very prevalent infection, and more than 75 per cent of women who are sexually active will contract the virus at some point during their lives.

Who is this service for?

Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy offers the HPV vaccination service to both men and women. This service is available to anyone up to the age of 45, whether they wish to begin a new course of the HPV vaccine or complete one that was initiated at school. For men, this vaccine helps prevent the leading cause of genital warts and provides protection against certain forms of cancer.

The HPV vaccine is suitable for nearly everyone, though it is not recommended for pregnant women. However, it is safe for women who are breastfeeding. The vaccine is not offered to individuals over the age of 45.

You should not receive the vaccine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, which include:

Sodium chloride

Polysorbate 80

L-histidine

Sodium borate

The vaccine is licensed for use in children starting from the age of nine.

The HPV vaccine is administered in one or two doses, depending on the individual’s age.

Both doses are given via injection:

Those under the age of 25 require just one dose of the vaccine.

Individuals aged 25 and older will need two doses for full protection. The first dose (0.5ml) is followed by a second dose (0.5ml), administered between six and 24 months after the initial dose.

How is the HPV vaccine given?

The HPV vaccine is administered as an injection into the upper arm. While the vaccine is generally well tolerated, some people may experience mild soreness and redness at the injection site.

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STI. Often, HPV doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms, but it can lead to genital warts and, in some cases, develop into genital cancers, such as cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer in young women.

HPV is spread through sexual contact. In many instances, the infection clears on its own due to the body’s immune response. However, sometimes, the virus can persist undetected, potentially leading to cancerous lesions. Some types of HPV are the leading cause of cervical cancer.

Using condoms can help lower the risk of contracting HPV, but they are not entirely effective, as the virus can be present on the skin around the whole of the genital area, not just where the condom covers.

Can I safely have sex without the HPV vaccine?

While condoms can reduce the risk of contracting HPV during sex, they are not as effective as getting vaccinated. The HPV vaccine provides a stronger level of protection against the virus.

According to the British Journal of Cancer, “Most HPV infections of the cervix are asymptomatic, and more than 90% of detected infections are cleared within 2 years.” However, some infections can persist and lead to serious health issues, such as cervical cancer.

It is advisable to always practise safe sex, even after receiving the vaccine, as the vaccine does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections.

What about cervical screening (smear tests)?

Even after receiving the HPV vaccine, it is important to continue attending regular cervical screening (smear tests). These screenings are essential for detecting any abnormalities that could lead to cervical cancer. If you experience any concerning symptoms, such as abnormal bleeding, you should see a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Should men get the HPV vaccine?

Yes, men should consider getting the HPV vaccine. HPV is linked to certain types of cancer, including penile and throat cancers, as well as genital warts. The vaccine reduces the risk of developing these cancers and protects against genital warts, a common sexually transmitted infection. Similar to women, it is most beneficial for men to be vaccinated early in life, ideally before exposure to any HPV type. The NHS provides free HPV vaccinations to all 12- and 13-year-olds in school Year 8. Those who missed their vaccination at that age can still receive the vaccine free of charge through the NHS until they turn 25.

What are the side effects of the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine may cause temporary side effects in some individuals. Common side effects include headaches, nausea, fever and dizziness. You might also experience some redness, swelling, itching, bruising, or soreness at the injection site.

As with other vaccines, you may be asked to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after receiving the injection for observation, to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions.

Service Details

Price: Information about pricing is available at the time of booking. You can save money by purchasing the entire course of the vaccine upfront.

Frequency: The vaccine is available as needed, with no appointment required after a brief consultation with the pharmacist.

Location: Check for your nearest pharmacy.

Availability

To find out more about this service or to make an enquiry, visit the page for your preferred pharmacy or just stop by when it’s convenient for you.